TomTom in Your iPhone

Apple relies on TomTom to get you from point A to point B. AS you place your trusty old TomTom in the garage and start relying on your iPhone for directions this fall, TomTom will still be with you. The iPhone isn’t the only gadget powered by TomTom, the company also powers the Nike+ SportWatch GPS and other items.

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Sadly there is currently no way to purchase different voices for Apple Maps, which means no buying TomTom’s Wallace and Gromit voice pack to guide you home after a long day out.

WAZE Social Mapping

Waze is a free GPS and traffic app that uses the power of the crowd to gather tips on the fastest way to get to your destination. Waze allows users to report traffic accidents, traffic jams and other issues that slow down the drive and actively routes you around the construction and slow downs.

Apple only says that it is using “Map data” from Waze, so don’t expect the social element to arrive on iOS 6, but that doesn’t mean Waze isn’t making Apple Maps better. Waze users can submit map errors simply by driving.

Right now Apple Maps doesn’t have any streets in my neighborhood in the service, even though we appear in the satellite view. Apple Maps offers the ability to report problems, but hopefully most of the issues are already fixed thanks to user-generated corrections on Waze.

It would be awesome to see social reports of traffic, speed traps and other road hazards arrive as a standard feature in Apple Maps for iOS 6, but you’ll need to grab the free Waze app until Apple buys the company.

As Urban Mapping puts it, “The ZIP code 10014 has little meaning for most people. But say SoHo, and you will evoke reactions based on cultural, social and historical references.” With the Data from Urban Mapping Apple can help you find locations faster and easier.

It’s a shame Apple didn’t partner with Urban Mapping for the company’s Mass Transit information. Urban Mapping provides a wealth of public transit information such as,

Locations of system, line, station and individual entrances/exits

accessibility notes, escalators, elevators

operating hours, attendant booths and hours

bike lockers

restrooms

parking (hours, number of spaces, cost)

shelter information

retail amenities

station cafes and much more.

The service is even able to deliver real time alerts when buses and trains are late. Unfortunately you’ll need to rely on third-party transit apps to get around on public transportation in iOS 6.

NASA Maps

Apple also lists NASA in the acknowledgements section of iOS 6 Maps. While Apple isn’t specific about what role NASA plays, it’s a safe bet that some of the satellite imagery and topographical data is coming from the organization.

Localeze and Acxiom

When it comes to finding a local business, Apple Maps uses data from Acxion and Localeze to put the right information within the maps app.

Apple Maps includes local business information.

This includes the address and phone number for the business as well as other information. Sadly, there is no information on whether the business is open or not, something Google is adding to several areas of search.

Yelp for Reviews

Apple also brings Yelp reviews front and center on the new Apple Maps for iOS 6. When searching for a restaurant the Yelp star rating appears on the map.

Yelp reviews are front and center.

After opening a local business, you can see Yelp reviews and photos from Yelp. The full Yelp profile and reviews are just a tap away.